The Use of Prosthetic Vacuum Socket Suspensions: A Comparison of a Modified Bicycle Pump to Commercially Available Options

Abstract

There are approximately 35-40 million people requiring orthotic and prosthetic services in developing countries (World Health Organization, 2017). Elevated vacuum, as a form of socket suspension, has been documented to decrease limb volume change, improve amputee proprioception, circulation, comfort, gait symmetry, and overall quality of life of amputees (Gholizadeh, Lemaire, Eshraghi, 2016). While these systems may benefit many amputees in developing countries, the high cost, accessibility, and maintenance of current elevated vacuum systems are not a feasible option. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how a simple modified bicycle pump compares to commercially available vacuum pumps. Results from the study show that a modified bicycle pump can achieve a maximum vacuum level of 21.7 inHg (57.6 kPa), comparable to commercially available options, and can achieve 17 inHg (57.6 kPa), significantly faster than commercially available pumps at a price point of $15.00.